The Official Truth: Frank Fritz’s Cause Of Death And His Final Two-Year Health Battle

The passing of Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the History Channel’s hit show American Pickers, sent shockwaves through the collecting community and television viewers worldwide. Fans, who had followed his journey for over a decade, were left with many unanswered questions about the nature of his final health struggles and the specific cause of his death.

As of today, December 12, 2025, the official details have been confirmed, bringing clarity to the tragic end of the popular antique picker's life. His death followed a lengthy and courageous two-year battle with severe health complications stemming from a major medical event that occurred shortly after his departure from the show.

Frank Fritz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Frank Fritz was a celebrated television personality and a lifelong collector whose passion for antiquing turned him into a household name. His career was defined by his sharp eye for vintage collectibles and his unique on-screen chemistry with long-time friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe.

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• Full Name: Frank Fritz
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1965
• Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa, USA
• Date of Death: September 30, 2024
• Age at Death: 60
• Official Cause of Death: Late sequela of cerebral infarction (complications from a stroke)
• Known For: Co-hosting the History Channel series American Pickers (2010–2020)
• Early Career: Worked as a fire inspector for 25 years before achieving television fame.
• Business: Co-owner of Antique Archaeology with Mike Wolfe.
• Notable Health Issues: Back surgery, Crohn’s disease, stroke, aortic stenosis.

The Official Cause of Death: Late Sequela of Cerebral Infarction

The question of "What was Frank Fritz's cause of death?" was definitively answered after his passing. The official cause listed on his death certificate was "late sequela of cerebral infarction."

This medical terminology can be confusing, but it essentially means complications that arise long after the initial brain injury caused by a stroke.

A cerebral infarction is the technical term for an ischemic stroke, where blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, causing tissue death. The "late sequela" refers to the long-term, debilitating effects and complications that ultimately led to his death, two years after the initial event.

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Fritz had been in a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, at the time of his death, confirming the severity of his condition and the long-term care he required.

The Role of Aortic Stenosis and Other Health Battles

In addition to the stroke complications, reports also indicated that Frank Fritz was battling another serious heart condition: aortic stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is a chronic condition where the heart's aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition, combined with the severe impact of the stroke, placed an immense strain on his overall health and recovery efforts.

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Frank's health struggles were not new. He had previously been open about his battle with Crohn’s disease and underwent a significant back surgery that required a lengthy hiatus from American Pickers, a period that ultimately led to his permanent departure from the show.

The Difficult Timeline: From American Pickers Exit to Final Days

The final years of Frank Fritz's life were marked by a series of unfortunate events, beginning with his exit from the show that made him famous and culminating in his severe health crisis.

1. The American Pickers Departure (2020–2021)

Frank Fritz last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020. His initial absence was attributed to a necessary back surgery.

However, the break became permanent, fueled by a public falling out with co-star Mike Wolfe. This period was emotionally taxing for Fritz, who expressed a desire to return but ultimately left the show before Season 22 aired. The History Channel officially confirmed his departure in 2021.

2. The Devastating Stroke (July 2022)

In July 2022, Frank suffered a major stroke, which was discovered by a friend at his home. The incident left him hospitalized and severely impacted his ability to recover.

This event marked the beginning of the two-year health battle that would eventually lead to his death. The stroke was a direct consequence of his underlying health issues and the stress he had been under.

3. Two Years of In-Patient Rehabilitation (2022–2024)

Following the stroke, Frank Fritz spent over two years in and out of in-patient rehabilitation facilities.

His manager, Bill Stankey, and close friends provided updates, noting that he was struggling to fully recover from the stroke's effects. The focus was on physical and occupational therapy, but the damage from the cerebral infarction proved too extensive.

Despite his struggles, he made a few rare public appearances, showing his determination, but the long-term sequelae of the stroke were insurmountable.

4. The Final Days in Hospice Care (September 2024)

As his condition worsened, Frank was moved to a hospice facility near his home in Davenport, Iowa.

He passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. His death was a direct result of the long-term complications from the stroke he suffered two years prior.

The Legacy of Frank Fritz and American Pickers

Frank Fritz's legacy is intertwined with the success of American Pickers, a show that brought the niche world of antiquing and treasure hunting to a mass audience. Alongside Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby, he traveled the backroads of America, using his keen eye to find vintage collectibles, rusty gold, and pieces of American history.

Frank was the grounded, humorous counterpart to Mike Wolfe's enthusiastic energy. His expertise often centered on items like vintage toys, motorcycles, and old advertising signs, helping to preserve history one dusty barn at a time.

The show, which continues today with cast members like Robbie Wolfe and Jersey Jon, fundamentally changed how people view junk and old items, highlighting the value in heritage revival and antique preservation.

In the wake of his death, Mike Wolfe shared a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging the deep history and friendship they shared, despite their later differences. The entire American Pickers family and the History Channel mourned the loss of the original picker, whose passion for the hunt will be remembered by millions of fans who tuned in for his unique perspective on the world of rusty gold and historic artifacts.